LA/ONTario -- The Facts

This webpage, "LA/ONTario -- The Facts" presents the central questions about which there has been considerable discussion, and includes media reports examining the underlying reasons for passenger declines at ONT along with many other small and medium hub airports. For each of the questions, we have provided answers grounded in facts. While we do not expect that this information will end debate about the future of ONT, we hope it will add to the quality of data that frames this debate.

Our commitment has, for nearly 48 years, propelled ONT from obscurity to prominence. While the airport has felt the impact of changes in commercial aviation's reaction to the national and regional recession, one of the largest and longest lasting in memory, we are positioning ONT today to prosper upon the Inland Empire's return to economic vitality. In 2014 ONT experienced its first increase in passenger traffic since 2007. Notwithstanding a continued squeeze on seat capacity by the airlines, 2014 passenger traffic numbers increased by nearly 4% compared to 2013. This increase in passenger activity is occurring for a number of reasons: flights serving ONT are at or near aircraft capacity, International traffic is up significantly, and the economy surrounding ONT is improving. While these are positive signs, we continue to watch changes in the aviation industry so as to keep ONT positioned to accept more traffic over time. We will also continue efforts and initiatives for a successful ONT. These include regular meetings with existing and potential airlines, creative air service marketing aimed at showcasing ONT's strengths, and building partnerships with external stakeholders wherever possible.

"At the time Ontario made its deals for Los Angeles to operate the airport, Ontario did not have the money or ability to operate the facility. If it was not for Los Angeles, ONT would not exist as it does."
Alan West (Son of Hugh West, a 1950's member of the Ontario Airport Planning Commission)

"Fuel is back up to the nasty levels of 2008"
West Australian newspaper aviation editor Geoffrey Thomas

"In 2011, almost 500 airports had fewer flights than the previous year, and none of those were large hubs."
Debby McElroy, Executive Vice President of the Airports Council International-North America.

"It's just the continuation of a "transformation" to a more stable industry where fare sales are less common, tickets are more expensive and rapid addition of flights is rare."
US Airways CEO Doug Parker.

"The global recession, accompanied by high levels of unemployment, hit air travel demand especially hard in 2009"
James May, Air Transport Association of America Chief Executive and President

"Our industry has been shaken. Our future depends on a drastic reshaping by partners, governments and industry."
Giovanni Bisignani Director General International Air Transport Association